a Family Weekend draws a large number of families and friends, treats guests to a wide range of activities Family, fun, football and food marked Family Weekend, Oct. 4-6. Family and friends were invited to attend classes, chapel and events such as a golf tournament, an illu– sion show, the football game and the Jennings Osborne barbecue. "It was fun to go to the barbecue and get all the food and listen to the entertainment," senior Sara Rabon said. "Even though my family wasn't here, I was able to join up with my friends and their famjJies and we all had a good time." The Jennings Osborne barbecue held strong as a highlight of the weekend for visiting families and students on campus. It became part of Family Weekend four years ago. "When the American Studies In– stitute asked us ifthe barbecue could be part of FamilyWeekend, we were very excited about it," Liz Howell, director of alumni and parent rela– tions, said. "The event has become a real positive part of the weekend. This year we had over 3,000 people attend the barbecue. Each year the process is becoming smoother and more people are able to enjoy it." family Weekend grew in atten– dance from previous years. In past years, about 100 families attended. In 2001, attendance jumped to 200 fami– lies. The number continued. to grow this year, with 230 families registered. Howell hoped the reason for these numbers was due to efforts to target parents of upperclassmen as well as those of freslunen. "We are trying to market towards the parents of all the students, not just the freshmen," Howell said. "Wehope that parents will start coming when their student is in their first year and keep returning each year after that." The organizers of Family Week– end tried to plan activities for every– one. Entertainment included various groups, such as the Belles and Beaux Senior Jeremy Anderson drums at the Jennings Osborne barbecue during Fam– ily Weekend Oct.4-6. Family Weekend brought in entertainment for more than 200 families. (Photo by Amy Beene) Walter Williams, professor of econom– ics at George Mason University, lectures as part of the American Studies institute lecture series Sept. 12. ASI also brought in Dinesh D'Souza Nov. 14, Khalil Jahshan March 6 and William Bennett April 3. (Photo by Lindsey Taliaferro) and Generation Gap. Pre-football game entertainment included inflat– able games, face painting and ap– pearances by cheerleaders and Bobby the Bison. "Sometimes when my family is in town, it can be hard to find things to do in Searcy," senior Emily Hoggard said. "But with Family Weekend it makes it a lot easier. There are activi– ties planned all day. We really en– joyed the barbecue and the football game, especially since the team is doing so well this year." The football team won their fifth consecutive victory on Family Weekend . " It was really great to have our fifth victory on such a big weekend," senior Nate Dutile, fullback for the Bisons, said. "We get so much energy knowing that everyone's families are in the stands wa tching. It makes it fun to go out there and play." - Kerri Dutile entertainment &events 25
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